The Galton Case (Lew Archer #8)

by Ross Macdonald

What was he doing in Luna Bay, did he tell you?” “He was trying to write a novel. He didn’t seem to have a job, and I can’t imagine what they were living on. They couldn’t have been completely destitute, either. They had a nurse to look after the mother and child.” “A nurse?” “I suppose she was what you’d call a practical nurse. One of those young women who take charge,” he added vaguely. “Do you recall anything about her?” “She had remarkable eyes, I remember. Sharp black eyes which kept watching me. I don’t think she approved of the literary life.” “Did you talk to her at all?” “I may have. I have a distinct impression of her, that she was the only sensible person in the house. Brown and his wife seemed to be living in Cloud-Cuckoo-Land.” “How do you mean?” “They were out of touch with the ordinary run of life. I don’t mean that as a criticism. I’ve been out of touch enough in my own life, God knows. I still am.” He gave me his clown grin. “You can’t make a Hamlet without breaking egos. But let’s not talk about me.”